Disclosure: Throughout the weekend I was treated to lodging and meals during my stay. All opinions and content are my own creation.
Carmel-By-the-Sea is a beautiful oceanfront, coastal town along Highway 1 in California just north of Big Sur and a little south of the Monterey Peninsula. This destination getaway is quaint, charming, and often a favorite destination amongst Californian residents.
A few fun facts about Carmel-By-The-Sea:
- Because of Doris Day, Carmel-By-The-Sea is one of the most dog friendly cities out there.
- It was illegal, at one time, to wear high heels here. No longer illegal, but, word on the street is that if you go into City Hall, they’ll write you up a citation.
- Clint Eastwood use to be the mayor, at one time.
- All buildings within Carmel-By-The-Sea can be no higher than 2 stories and must have a wooden sign. (Yes, even Gas Stations!)
- There are No Street Addresses (Try explaining that to the Government!)
- This town began as an artist colony, and often artists are around painting the scenery around them along with tons of art galleries along the streets of Carmel.
The wooden signs and cute one or two story buildings add a beautiful charm to this town, and why it truly makes for a great destination getaway.
Throughout the town there are various inns with lots of character and charm. One such inn is The Hofsas House.
This inn has been a family owned business for over 60 years that began in the year 1947 when Donna Hofsas founded it. The inn has grown tremendously since then, initiating starting with just 4 cottages, one that they resided in(Room 9/10), and three others they rented out to others. In 1957, the main hotel building was built adding an additional 25 rooms along with a swimming pool. In the mid-1960’s, the final extension was added on the north wing along with an additional meeting room. Today, the Hofsas House is home to 38 rooms, a swimming pool, and a meeting/conference room space and has stayed within the family over the years. It’s currently being ran by Carrie Theis, granddaughter of Donna Hofsas.
The rooms at the Hofsas House offer a bit of classic, elegant charm and a bit of history by adding in pieces of antique furniture and beautiful fireplaces. For me, it was something I truly enjoyed, but the feel may not be for everyone.
The other thing I really loved about the rooms were how spacious they were. My room included a kitchen nook area with a counter, fridge, and a sink along with silverware and dishes so I could easily stay here a week and be able to have some meals right in my room.
And last but not least, lets talk about the beds, shall we? My room was the one in the middle with the blue quilt. When I first walked in, the bed grabbed my attention instantly, to the point, where I just wanted to crawl into it. However, it was in the morning, after wake up when I realized just how cozy the bed was. Sheets wrapped all around me, it was awfully hard to get out of bed the next morning. Exactly the way I want a bed to feel while on vacation.
The Hofsas House offers complimentary breakfast every morning in the main hotel lobby area. Pastries come straight from Monterey’s Paris Bakery. You have the option of sitting right in the lobby as you enjoy your breakfast amongst other travelers or bringing it up to your room to enjoy the morning view:
Most rooms overlook the parking area, and beyond the trees offer a glimpse of the ocean. A nice way to wake up in the morning.
The pool is heated year round, and is open until 9pm each evening. And yes, I had to test the waters out:
Water was nice and warm, even though the weather had fallen to 60 degrees that evening. It was a great way to end the evening for me.
And one last tidbit of information about The Hofsas House? It’s dog friendly! Yes, you can bring your dog with you while staying at The Hofsas House making it a complete family getaway. (25 Fee per night for one dog and 40 fee per night for two dogs.)
The Tail Wagging Package is complimentary when your dog travels with you and includes:
- Hofsas House Dog Frisbee
- Hofsas House Collapsible dog Bowl for travel
- Special Dog Bed for their stay.
- Letter from our onsite Pet Concierge Cajun
- Special Dog Amenities Package
- Tips and Recommendations for your four legged friends stay
- Walking Trail and Hiking guide with your four legged friend
- A package of treats
- Costal Canine Magazine ~ offering the best four legged options for Visiting Carmel.
This is the mural that sits at the Entrance of the Hofsas House. Donna Hofsas had this commissioned by artist Maxine Albro, a dear friend of hers. Donna asked her to paint the mural and add other highlights to the front of the building to bring out the Bavarian theme of the inn.
Keep an eye out for the painted headboard in room 47, along with personalized paintings within the main lobby of the inn.
A few special offerings at the Hofsas House:
Monterey Wine & Cheese Pairing: 30 Dollars
Have wine and cheese waiting for you in your room when you first arrive or after a day out in Carmel, Monterey or Big Sur.
Champagne & Cheese Pairing with Hofsas House Engraved Flutes: 50 Dollars
Beach Fire and S’mores Bundle with blanket and flashlight that you can take down to the beach at your convenience: 60 Dollars
In room his or her couples massage starting at 160 dollars for 45 minutes
Let us arrange for the hotel room to be decorated in a romantic, anniversary, or birthday theme starting at 75 dollars.
Have a beach fire setup for you that include flowers, s’mores, blanket, flashlight and message in sand for 139 dollars.
The Hofsas House Hotel has partnerships with six different golf courses in the area so guests can come and play golf starting at 65 per person including cart.
The Hofsas House Hotel is hospitality partners with the Monterey Bay Aquarium so if guests purchase tickets thru them, they receive a two-day pass for the price of one.
Hofsas House
Between 3rd & 4th Ave on San Carlos Street.
P.O. Box 1195
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Email: [email protected]
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